Unity Outfitters: The Sustainable Lingerie Brand

As you might expect with a namesake for a blog that includes “indigo," we are passionate about highlighting small businesses that are using existing natural resources and materials to ethically create products. We’ve always found the area of undergarments and lingerie to be a challenging one to navigate and find quality pieces and from fair trade sources. However, we were recently connected with the brand Unity Outfitters and their amazing and beautiful founder, Katina Gad. Unity Outfitters is a size-inclusive, ethically produced lingerie brand that uses natural dyes and responsibly sourced materials. Resources such as organic indigo, turmeric and even rose hips are used in the thoughtful dyeing process to produce the vibrant colors in all of the pieces.

The Watermelon We've Been Waiting For

A little time ago now we wrote a story about Nat Bradford and the work he’s doing to bring back some lost and forgotten edibles — edibles that would have been very prominent, especially in the Carolinas. He’s putting food that is thought to have dominated the menu of the day back on the table: Ground Nuts, Dutch Fork Pumpkins, Candy Roaster Squash, Carolina African Runner Peanuts and more.

9 Green Beauty Swaps for Sensitive Skin

Green Beauty ... that term is everywhere now, but until recently I didn't understand how beneficial clean, all-natural products were for my skincare. If you had asked me just a few years ago, I wouldn't even know where to begin to describe the benefits. I cleaned my skin regularly already and put products on it that seemed to feel good, so why would I need to change anything? Then this happened…

Liz Alig: The Fashion Forward, Fair Trade Brand

A few years ago, a surprise care package arrived at my front door that would not only introduce me to a knew ethically made fashion brand, but would change the way I looked at repurposed materials. My mom had thoughtfully curated a clothing item that she knew I would love and that matched my newfound journey of changing my purchasing habits. Excitedly ripping through the tissue paper around the garments, I found a pale blue, 1950's inspired dress with pleats and a the loveliest strappy back and button waist. The hour-glass silhouette was balanced by the lightest, softest material -- and to my sweet surprise was handmade by women entrepreneurs in Ghana, Africa using fabric from recycled flour sacks. It's truly my most loved, most worn and likely most complimented dress.

Gin From the Ground Up

We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Traxler Littlejohn, owner, operator and head distiller at Nippitaty Distillery in Charleston, S.C. Like the cicada, Traxler found himself “underground” for 13 years as he worked in corporate Human Resources, only to emerge later with a reimagined dream job. After leaving the corporate world behind, in four years Traxler took an entirely new career path as a distiller and small business owner. It may have taken him 17 years to land his dream job, but just like the cicada, the best is yet to come.

The Root Collective: Who made your shoes?

If you've been following our blog journey over the last year, then you've likely heard me mention The Root Collective on many occasions. When people ask me about why I'm passionate about Ethical Fashion, TRC brand plays such a large role in shaping my heart and decision making about purchases.

A few years ago, I had stumbled across a boutique in one of our neighboring towns that sold apparel, shoes and jewelry that were from companies committed to making a positive impact in our world. I loved the concept and the fact that every piece had a story. Fast-forward several months and I heard about a "sip and shop" at the storefront with TRC Founder and CEO, Bethany Tran. I heard about this company only briefly, but I knew they were making adorable shoes that were changing lives, and I had to learn more.

Trove: A Brand that Delights in Dignity

I was recently introduced to the beautiful brand Trove, and have fallen in love with their business model and the variety they offer their customers. Founder and CEO, Jaclyn Dowdle, started Trove with the mission to provide sustainable clothing that was also stylish and affordable. The unique aspect of Trove is that they have a pre-order model that helps to cutdown on costs and make the price-point for customers more affordable! In other words, the customer chooses the style and fabric from Trove's website, and once purchased THEN the piece is produced and shipped! I love how that concept alone helps to cutdown on product waste as well!

Pals Socks: Where Differences are Beautiful

A few weeks ago we were introduced to the sweetest company with the most amazing, world-changing mission: Pals Socks. A simple concept of the most adorable mismatched socks is teaching children and adults alike that the pieces of us that are different are actually our greatest attributes. Owner and founder Hannah Lavon designs sock friends that come in so many adorable pairs, to include dragons and unicorns, bears and bees, polar bears and penguins and so many more. From baby all the way up to adult sizes, the sweet socks are singing a manifesto that we don't all have to match -- in fact, that's what makes us great!

Suburban Boheme: Repurposed Vintage

It's such a pleasure to feature Kelli Goodloe of Suburban Boheme on the blog today! Kelli is an amazing seamstress and mastermind creative that takes clothing most of us would walk past in a store and reconstructs the fabric into beautiful and new silhouettes. Like a modern-day treasure hunter, Kelli seeks out unique vintage styles and dreams up stunning patterns, thoughtfully sewing each new product herself.

Sseko Designs: Fashion on a Mission

My Sseko story in some ways takes me back to 2012. I traveled to Uganda with my sister as part of a missions trip to work with orphans. I had big dreams of making a lasting impact on the life of one of the boys or girls there, but in reality they were the ones that changed me. There is so much joy in those little ones that have nothing. It broke me in the best way.

Fast forward to 2016 and I still couldn’t shake the thought of Uganda and what it meant to me. That year, I came home to a surprise gift from my husband: a purse from Sseko Designs. And to my complete joy, I learned how Sseko was making an impact on the lives of young girls in the heart of Uganda. It felt like my passion for this country and my love for ethical fashion had just intersected in the sweetest way.

Cuddle + Kind: Fighting Hunger

When we come across companies that are actively targeting real-world issues like hunger, our hearts leap for joy. Over Christmas, Elleanor received a beautiful handcrafted doll from her cousins made by the incredible family-owned business Cuddle + Kind. The dolls come in so many adorable varieties for boys and girls and are made by artisans in Peru. As a fair trade company, Cuddle + Kind employs local artisans that hand knit, loom, embroider and crochet vibrant and whimsical dolls. Even more inspirational is that every doll provides 10 meals for children in need!

Moesel Clothing: Sustainable Threads

There is something to be said about ideas that are created around kitchen tables. Perhaps it's the inviting and communal qualities of a kitchen that sparks the most thoughtful and life-giving conversations. Whatever the magic, Jacquie Moesel, founder and designer for Moesel Clothing, was having one of those talks around the table with a close friend when the opportunity to employ her passion for social change was brought to life. More than just a children's clothing business, Moesel employs artisans in Lima, Peru to craft quality pieces that tie in both traditional hand-sewing and the beautiful colors of the country.

Sela Designs: Art that Gives

Just a few months ago, I was introduced to Sela Designs, a beautiful, handmade jewelry business that uses 100% of profits to giveback to organizations that are rooted in life-giving work. Ashleigh, the owner, designer and maker behind Sela, uses her talents to create pieces that are giving back in a powerful way.

You can imagine the joy that filled my heart when I learned that Sela Designs financially supports a children's home in Ethiopia. This heartbeat I feel for Africa and the desire to find thoughtfully made products intersected in a beautiful way that can only be God.

Fair + Simple: A world-changing way to give

At Christmastime, it often feels a bit challenging to make our shopping list for others, while at the same time balancing our desire to purchase intentionally. The stress that comes with selecting a perfect gift, yet also knowing it's origin is tough. But there is a dream solution...and Molly Acord, owner and founder of Fair + Simple, is the genius behind it.

Through her love for all things fair trade, Molly developed a simple shopping option that allows customers to purchase gift cards that can be redeemed by their friends or family for any item on their beautifully curated site of ethically sourced products. We loved this concept so much, because it provides a thoughtful and easy gifting option, and creates a fun and meaningful shopping experience for the person receiving the card.

Ethical Fashion, Eco-Friendly, Style, HomeThe Judge FamilyDecember 4, 2017Fair + Simple, Ethical Fashion, Fair Trade, Gift Giving, Dressember, Pattern, Fashion, StyleComment

Billiam Jeans: Restoring a Lost Art

We love the city of Greenville, SC. Since our first visit, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, we fell in love. We found ourselves in a mountain oasis of sorts. We had no idea that we would find such a wonderful place, filled such warm people pursing spectacular things. As if it wasn't enough that we found amazing breweries and a local cafe serving and selling everything local, we also were attracted to how Greenville allows everyone to enjoy the great outdoors and is the most dog-friendly city we've ever stepped foot in. Through are own explorations, we found a man who is helping to bring back a piece of the American past, one pair of jeans at a time. We were so fortunate to sit down with Bill Mitchell, the owner and operator of , and pick his brain about why what he's doing is so important -- not just for himself, but for Greenville, South Carolina and America. Starting out eight years ago with only a used sewing machine at his side and video tutorials to guide him, Bill redefines the meaning of self-taught. His journey to building Billiam Jeans from the bottom up is a narrative that will inspire anyone to pursue a creative calling.

Zaaina Skin Care: Beauty from Nature

I can remember the days of curling up in my bed, flipping through teen magazines and reading the latest DIY beauty tips. It always fascinated me to discover new and unusual remedies -- everything from avocado and mayonnaise as hair conditioners, to homemade toners and face masks made from citrus and pantry items. While they were always fun to experiment with at home, I can’t say I that I really understood the benefits of using natural ingredients until I became a mom.

Family, Beauty, Eco-FriendlyThe Judge FamilyNovember 15, 2017Beauty, Skin Care, Activated Charcoal, Natural Beauty, Green Beauty, Eco-friendly, Essential OilsComment

Cotton with a Conscience

A recent family trip took us to McIntosh Farms, where we met At McIntosh. At’s Family has owned McIntosh farms dating back to the Revolutionary War time frame. At is an eighth generation farmer and has lived here in South Carolina all his life. At now owns and operates 1000 acres of farmland and rotates his fields with peanut, corn and of course cotton. At’s crop rotation ensures that his cotton yields will be as high as possible and that he will end up with the highest quality of cotton -- a vital piece for his "farm to shirt" concept for his business Homegrown Cotton.

Beauty from the Inside Out

Be Pure Beauty, founded by Girl Boss and Visionary, April Manring, provides carefully researched natural products helping others discover "beauty from the inside out." April and her team have a darling storefront in Chapel Hill, N.C., but also offer an online option with their products, services and resources. April's amazing background and story that brought Be Pure Beauty to life is really inspiring, and will have you seeing self-care and beauty products in a whole new way!

Fair Fashion: Noonday Collection

There isn't much sweeter than spotlighting both an organization and a person that you love and call a friend! Today I'm tickled to chat with my friend Kristine, an Ambassador for Noonday Collection! Kristine and I met more than a 15 years ago when Phil and I were living in Massachusetts. She truly has a heart for people, and her love for others and passion for Noonday will inspire you to get involved!

Birds Fly South...And Some Never Leave

Fall is on the way and it can’t come soon enough. Although we love the summer here in the South, it’s always nice when we get a break from the extreme heat. With the shift in the season comes a shift in our wardrobes as well. We tend to put away the whites and vibrant colors that we associate with Summer. We head to the closet and pull out the earth tones that are just as elegant yet a little more subdued — the colors that remind me of the leaves starting to turn. The browns, deep greens, orange, rust, red and amber. So many colors that nature offers us. The light sweater or cardigan might also make an appearance and the days of shorts are all but over.